Embracing a Spirit-Led Life in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we embark on a new series called "Cultivating Culture," where we delve into the core values of Limitless Church. Cody and I have prayed and discussed extensively to distill our church's values into five key principles: being Spirit-led, understanding our identity in Christ, operating in the authority given by Jesus, living in humility, and honoring one another. These values are not just words on a plaque but are meant to be lived out and practiced daily.
Our first value, being Spirit-led, is about seeking God's guidance in everything we do, just as Jesus did nothing without seeing the Father do it first. This means we must constantly ask, "What is the Father doing?" and align our actions accordingly. The second value, identity, emphasizes knowing our true identity in Christ, which transcends our roles and preferences. Our third value, authority, reminds us that we have the authority given by Jesus to perform miracles and live victoriously. The fourth value, humility, calls us to recognize our standing before God, understanding that all we have is because of Jesus. Lastly, honoring one another means uplifting and valuing each other, recognizing the unique gifts and roles we all play.
Today, we focus on what it means to be Spirit-led. Drawing from Exodus 33, where Moses insists that God's presence must go with them, we learn that being Spirit-led means not moving unless God moves. This requires a deep trust in God's guidance, even when it leads us into the unknown. Throughout the Bible, God manifests His presence as a cloud by day and fire by night, guiding, protecting, and comforting His people. This divine guidance is available to us today if we choose to follow the Holy Spirit.
Being Spirit-led is not without challenges. It can be scary and requires stepping out in faith, often looking foolish to the world. But the rewards are immense. When we follow God's Spirit, we are transformed, just as Moses' face shone after spending time with God. This transformation should be evident in our lives, radiating God's glory to those around us.
In conclusion, being Spirit-led means daily choosing to follow God's guidance, stepping into His presence, and allowing His Spirit to transform us. It is a continuous journey of trust, obedience, and transformation.
### Key Takeaways
1. Being Spirit-Led: To be Spirit-led means to seek God's guidance in every aspect of our lives, just as Jesus did nothing without seeing the Father do it first. This requires a deep, daily commitment to ask, "What is the Father doing?" and align our actions accordingly. It is about moving only when God moves, trusting His guidance even when it leads us into the unknown. [37:00]
2. True Identity in Christ: Our true identity is not based on our roles, preferences, or achievements but on who we are in Christ. This God-given identity is inherited as we enter into God's family. Understanding this helps us live confidently and purposefully, knowing that our worth and value come from being children of God. [31:01]
3. Operating in Authority: Jesus has given us authority to perform miracles and live victoriously. This authority is not something we earn but is a gift from Jesus, who redeemed us and gave us the keys to the kingdom. We are called to operate in this authority, believing that signs and wonders will follow those who believe. [32:41]
4. Living in Humility: True humility is understanding our right standing before God, recognizing that all we have is because of Jesus. It is about living with a sense of gratitude and dependence on God, knowing that our boldness, authority, and identity are all based on Jesus alone. This humility should be evident in our interactions with others, leading us to honor and uplift those around us. [34:07]
5. Honoring One Another: We are called to honor one another, recognizing and valuing the unique gifts and roles each person plays. This means uplifting and encouraging each other, rather than competing or standing on others to get ahead. In a world that often teaches us to prioritize ourselves, honoring one another is a powerful testimony of God's love and grace. [35:34]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[0:45] - Introduction to Cultivating Culture Series
[2:30] - Overview of Limitless Church's Core Values
[5:00] - Being Spirit-Led
[10:15] - Understanding Our Identity in Christ
[15:30] - Operating in Authority
[20:45] - Living in Humility
[25:00] - Honoring One Another
[30:00] - Deep Dive into Being Spirit-Led
[37:00] - Moses and the Presence of God
[45:00] - The Cloud and Fire as Divine Guidance
[50:00] - The Challenge of Being Spirit-Led
[55:00] - Transformation Through God's Presence
[1:00:00] - Final Thoughts and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 33:15 - "Then Moses said to him, 'If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.'"
2. Exodus 13:21-22 - "By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people."
3. 2 Corinthians 3:12-18 - "Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away. But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."
### Observation Questions
1. What did Moses insist on in Exodus 33:15 before moving forward with the Israelites? [37:00]
2. How did God guide the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness according to Exodus 13:21-22? [39:56]
3. What transformation happens to believers according to 2 Corinthians 3:12-18 when they turn to the Lord?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Moses was so adamant about not moving forward without God's presence in Exodus 33:15? How does this reflect the importance of being Spirit-led? [37:00]
2. In what ways does the pillar of cloud and fire in Exodus 13:21-22 symbolize God's guidance and protection? How can this be applied to our lives today? [39:56]
3. According to 2 Corinthians 3:12-18, what does it mean to have the veil removed and to be transformed into the Lord’s image? How does this relate to being Spirit-led?
### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Moses' insistence in Exodus 33:15, are there areas in your life where you need to seek God's presence before making a decision? How can you practically do this? [37:00]
2. The Israelites were guided by a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night (Exodus 13:21-22). What are some ways you can seek and recognize God's guidance in your daily life? [39:56]
3. Being Spirit-led often requires stepping out in faith and facing the unknown. Can you share a time when you had to trust God in a challenging situation? How did it impact your faith? [47:23]
4. 2 Corinthians 3:12-18 speaks about being transformed into the Lord’s image. What are some practical steps you can take to ensure you are continually being transformed by spending time in God's presence?
5. The sermon mentioned the importance of humility and recognizing our standing before God. How can you cultivate humility in your interactions with others this week? [34:07]
6. Honoring one another is a core value mentioned in the sermon. Think of someone in your life who you can honor and uplift this week. What specific action can you take to show them honor? [35:34]
7. The sermon emphasized the importance of not just being entertained by God's presence but being transformed by it. How can you move from being a passive observer to an active participant in your spiritual journey? [01:21:30]
Devotional
Day 1: Seeking God's Guidance in Every Aspect of Life
To be Spirit-led means to seek God's guidance in every aspect of our lives, just as Jesus did nothing without seeing the Father do it first. This requires a deep, daily commitment to ask, "What is the Father doing?" and align our actions accordingly. It is about moving only when God moves, trusting His guidance even when it leads us into the unknown. This principle is rooted in a profound trust in God's wisdom and timing, even when it challenges our understanding or comfort zones. By being Spirit-led, we open ourselves to divine direction, protection, and transformation, allowing God's presence to guide our steps and decisions. [37:00]
Exodus 33:15-16 (ESV): "And he said to him, 'If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?'"
Reflection: Think of a decision you are currently facing. Have you sought God's guidance on it? What steps can you take today to ensure you are aligning your actions with what you believe God is doing?
Day 2: Embracing Our True Identity in Christ
Our true identity is not based on our roles, preferences, or achievements but on who we are in Christ. This God-given identity is inherited as we enter into God's family. Understanding this helps us live confidently and purposefully, knowing that our worth and value come from being children of God. When we grasp our identity in Christ, we are freed from the need to seek validation from the world and can instead rest in the assurance of God's love and acceptance. This identity shapes our actions, attitudes, and interactions, allowing us to live out our faith authentically and boldly. [31:01]
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you struggle with self-worth or identity. How does knowing your identity in Christ change your perspective on this area?
Day 3: Operating in the Authority Given by Jesus
Jesus has given us authority to perform miracles and live victoriously. This authority is not something we earn but is a gift from Jesus, who redeemed us and gave us the keys to the kingdom. We are called to operate in this authority, believing that signs and wonders will follow those who believe. This means stepping out in faith, trusting that God will work through us to accomplish His purposes. By embracing this authority, we can confront challenges with confidence, knowing that we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to bring about God's kingdom on earth. [32:41]
Luke 10:19 (ESV): "Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you."
Reflection: Identify a situation where you feel powerless or overwhelmed. How can you exercise the authority given to you by Jesus in this situation today?
Day 4: Living in Humility Before God
True humility is understanding our right standing before God, recognizing that all we have is because of Jesus. It is about living with a sense of gratitude and dependence on God, knowing that our boldness, authority, and identity are all based on Jesus alone. This humility should be evident in our interactions with others, leading us to honor and uplift those around us. By living in humility, we acknowledge our need for God's grace and are better positioned to serve others selflessly, reflecting Christ's love and humility in our daily lives. [34:07]
Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Reflection: Think of a recent interaction where you may have acted out of pride or self-interest. How can you approach similar situations with humility and a servant's heart?
Day 5: Honoring One Another in Love
We are called to honor one another, recognizing and valuing the unique gifts and roles each person plays. This means uplifting and encouraging each other, rather than competing or standing on others to get ahead. In a world that often teaches us to prioritize ourselves, honoring one another is a powerful testimony of God's love and grace. By valuing others, we create a culture of mutual respect and support, fostering a community where everyone can thrive and grow in their faith. [35:34]
Romans 12:10 (ESV): "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor."
Reflection: Think of someone in your community or church who may feel undervalued or overlooked. How can you honor and encourage them today in a tangible way?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We are called to be led by the spirit of God. We're not called to go on our own way. We're not called to make our own plans and then ask God if it's okay. We're called to actually ask him in the same way that Jesus said, I don't do anything except what I see the father doing. We're supposed to do the same thing. We're supposed to be constantly looking at what is the father doing? What is he calling us to do? And then stepping out and living the way that he calls us to, doing everything, being led by the spirit." [30:00] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The truth is that Jesus that these things are available, that everyone who believes these signs should follow, that we should be seeing people raised from the dead, people healed from sickness, right? That we should be seeing demons cast out. All of these things are true and available to us. Why? Because Jesus came and he demonstrated what it was to actually take on complete humanity, set his divinity, his godness aside in order to, come and live as an example for us for what it means to actually live as a human." [32:41] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The amazing thing is if you just sit in the fact that none of us, none of it is based on us. Right. That we can actually walk in this because we can trust the God who called us to it. And so I'm super excited because I feel like this is something that a lot of these things we're already walking in, but we get to actually step further and further in together and we get to encourage one another and build each other up in these things." [35:34] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The fire represents God in the darkest moments, in the darkness of our world, that he brings his light. And then he calls us into it, that we would actually radiate that light to the world around us, that we get to actually participate in and step into the light that lights up the darkness. And my question is, are you being a light in the darkness around you? Because it's really easy to come in the daytime and be a light here, but are you being a light in your workplace?" [01:07:44] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Salvation is free, but it'll cost you everything. Actually stepping in with him means that we're exposing ourselves to him going, God shine a light on anything that is darkness and whatever it takes to get it out of me, get it out of me. Allow that consuming fire to burn up anything that is not of him." [01:09:23] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "This is the culture we want. This is the culture we're trying to build and we're not perfect at it. But if you call this your home or you're making this your family, then this is what you're called to. And you might look at that list and go, oh, that's overwhelming. But the amazing thing is if you just sit in the fact that none of us, none of it is based on us. Right. That we can actually walk in this because we can trust the God who called us to it." [35:34] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Being spirit-led is sometimes scary. Being spirit-led sometimes means you're saying yes to things that you don't understand. Being spirit-led sometimes means you look like a fool to those around you. Being spirit-led sometimes means that you're stepping out what seems like a cliff and you have no idea if there's going to be something under you when you step down. But the truth is invites us into that place. And when we are willing, like Moses, to climb the mountain and to not let terror and fear stop us, and we actually step in, we step out of fear of what might happen and fear of our own selves, right?" [47:23] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Fear leads to distance. If we fear the things that God is calling us into instead of fearing the God who is calling us, that will lead us to stay at a distance. But if we actually fear God enough to go, I can be nowhere else but with you. I don't care how scary it might be to step in. I know that if I go anywhere else, it will not be where I'm supposed to be. Fear leads to distance from God." [56:37] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Being in the presence of God, being spirit led, actually choosing to step in wherever he goes will lead us to be transformed. Now with Moses, God shows us in this like very tangible way that his face is literally glowing. The true mark of whether you've been in the presence of God, in the glory cloud with God is are you transformed? Are you being changed? Or are you just being entertained?" [58:05] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We made a painful decision as a church leadership that no matter what it looked like, we would follow his spirit. That whether it meant we were unpopular or looked crazy, whether it meant that we were making decisions that seemed so beyond logic, that we would choose to follow him. And my invitation to you today, as part of Limitless' family, if you are part, if you choose to be part of it, is that you would step into that same way of living. That you would ascend the mountain with us. That you would choose to go wherever his spirit leads." [01:24:55] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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